Man threatened and robbed at knifepoint

A man was threatened at knife point and robbed of his phone and watch.

The 27-year-old man was targeted on Higher Wood Street in Middleton just after 10pm on 13 July 2015 and  police are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

The victim was confronted by the two offenders as he was walking towards the bus station near Barley Field Walk.

One of the thieves asked him for the time, and when he saw the 27-year-old’s watch, asked if he could try it on.

When the man refused, the other offender produced a knife – said to be a four or six-inch carving knife with a rusty blade and wooden handle – and demanded his watch.

Frightened he would be attacked, the victim handed over his gold Accurist watch and a black iPhone4 and the two offenders ran off, turning left onto Mellalieu Street and onto Wood Street.

The first offender is described as being white, about 6ft 3in tall, of an average to above average build, clean shaven and spoke with a local accent. He had a one inch scar running under his left cheek below his eye and was said to be in his 20s. He was wearing a black or dark blue hooded top and black tracksuit bottoms. This was the man carrying the knife.

His accomplice was of mixed race, about 5ft 10in tall, of a slim build and in his early 20s. He had stubble and acne, and was wearing a dark coloured hooded top with a dark logo on the left breast, black shoes and black trousers with a white stripe down the side.

Police Constable Steve Farnell said: "The victim is, as you'd expect, extremely shaken up to have been threatened at knifepoint by the offenders.

"Thankfully, he was not physically injured or attacked. Possessions can be replaced but people cannot.

"However, the emotional distress he has suffered is no less painful and it is important we identify who these two men are and bring them to justice so that no-one else can be targeted in this way.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the men from the above descriptions we have given to come forward. If you saw these two men hanging around the area or you suspect you may know who they are, then please call us. Also, if you are offered a gold Accurist watch or a black iPhone4 for sale then please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.